Aurora families have strong city rec leagues and a clear club pathway through Rapids Youth. Most sessions use Aurora Sports Park, Del Mar Park, and Olympic Park, with regional events at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
City‑run rec leagues focused on fun, fundamentals, and team play.
Ages: 5-15
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Beginner‑friendly leagues at area Y sites serving Aurora.
Ages: 3-12
Seasons: Seasonal
Weekly game model with age‑appropriate instruction at local parks.
Ages: 3-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Pro‑club pathway with academy, select, and elite platforms; multiple Aurora/central sites.
Ages: U6–U19
Leagues: ECNL / USYS (by team)
Fields: DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Regional training sites
South‑metro elite pathway accessible from Aurora; ECNL/MLS NEXT by team.
Ages: U7–U19
Leagues: MLS NEXT / ECNL (by team)
Fields: David A. Lorenz Regional Park, Regional sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Sports Park | 19300 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80011 | multi‑field complex, lights, parking, restrooms | Premier city complex for practices, league play, and tournaments. |
| Del Mar Park | 12000 E 6th Ave, Aurora, CO 80010 | multi‑use fields, parking, restrooms | Central park used for rec games and training. |
| Olympic Park | 15501 E Yale Ave, Aurora, CO 80013 | multi‑purpose fields, lights, parking, restrooms | Southeast Aurora venue for practices and small‑sided play. |
| DICK’S Sporting Goods Park (Regional) | 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO 80022 | stadium & multi‑field complex, lights, parking, restrooms | Regional tournament hub and Rapids Youth home base. |
| 4-6 | Introductory programs and AYSO. Keep it playful and short; celebrate effort. |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | Focus on foundational skills and enjoying the game. Build confidence through fun drills. |
| 8-10 | Transitioning to more structured play. Build turns and first-touch patterns. AYSO or introduction to club. |
| 10-12 | Add speed bursts and combo moves. Start to specialize in positions. Club tryouts and travel become more common. |
| 13-18 | Advanced tactical understanding and physical training. High school soccer and college recruiting become key considerations. Competitive club is the main option. |
| Rec | Typically $150-$300 per season, including uniform and team picture. Financial aid is often available. |
|---|---|
| Club | Ranges from $1,400 to over $4,500 per year, not including travel, tournament, and uniform costs. Many clubs offer payment plans and some financial assistance. |
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| All Kids Play | Provides grants to help families with the cost of youth sports registration fees. |
| Every Kid Sports | National fee‑assistance program for rec sports. |
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| Rapids Youth Soccer Camps | Pro‑club camps and clinics across the Denver/Aurora corridor. |
| Challenger Sports Camps — Denver Metro | International‑coach summer clinics at area parks. |
| Events at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park (Regional) | Frequent youth tournaments and showcases year‑round. |
|---|
| Flat shoes on dry surfaces |
| Clear 6–8 feet of space |
| Hydrate before and after |
| Shin guards under long socks |
| Warm up and cool down |
A simple weekly rhythm you can actually stick to
touches — toe-taps, foundation taps
agility — ladder steps (imaginary), side shuffles
first touch — sole stop, inside-out touches
turns — drag back, cruyff turn
combos — 3-move combo, speed dribble
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Toe Taps
Tap top of ball with alternating feet • Keep knees soft and chest up
Foundation Taps
Tap ball between feet with inside surfaces • Keep the ball under you
Drag Back
Pull ball under foot • Turn hips and push out with other foot
How many minutes should kids practice at home? 10 minutes, 3–5 days a week builds confidence without burnout. |
Do we need cones? No—use shoes or tape as markers; drills fit small spaces. |
Rec vs club soccer? Rec emphasizes fun and balanced teams; club adds higher commitment, travel, and licensed coaching. |
How do we choose the right club? Compare coaching credentials, cost, travel, practice locations, and team culture; attend tryouts and talk with parents. |
What equipment is required? Ball sized by age, shin guards with long socks, proper‑fit cleats, and a water bottle; most leagues provide uniforms. |
How are age groups determined? By birth year using national standards; most leagues use the player’s age on Dec 31 of the season year. |
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